America's tall ship, Coastguard Cutter 'Eagle' sets sail for cruise to 12 ports
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, America’s tall ship, has sailed for the 2012 Summer Training Cruise and participation in Operation Sail 2012 and War of 1812 Bicentennial events in New Orleans, New York, Norfolk, Va., Baltimore, Boston and New London, Conn.
The Eagle is the largest tall ship flying the United States flag and the only active square-rigger in U.S. government service. A three-masted barque, the Eagle provides an unparalleled at-sea leadership and professional development experience for future officers of the U.S. Coast Guard. A permanent crew of six officers and 49 enlisted personnel guides the trainees through a rigorous underway and in-port training curriculum dedicated to the skills of navigation, damage control, watchstanding, engineering and deck seamanship.
“It is an honor to participate in commemorating the War of 1812 with the United States Navy and other international tall ships,” said Capt. Eric C. Jones, the Eagle’s commanding officer. “The Eagle’s 2012 schedule provides challenging at-sea opportunities for training future Coast Guard officers, while also building an appreciation for our nation’s rich maritime heritage through our participation in Operation Sail 2012 and War of 1812 commemoration events.”
The Coast Guard has a long and rich military history, providing and enabling American prosperity by ensuring the free-flow of maritime commerce. Just as the Coast Guard’s roles in homeland security drastically increased as a result of 9/11, so did the Coast Guard’s role in national defense operations as a result of the War of 1812. “The Coast Guard has been a sound investment in homeland security for more than 200 hundred years,” said Vice Adm. Rob Parker, commander Coast Guard Atlantic Area.
In all, the Eagle will visit 12 ports, including:
• April 17 – April 20, New Orleans
• April 26 – April 29, Jacksonville, Fla.
• April 29 – May 3, Mayport, Fla.
• May 4 – May 7, Savannah, Ga.
• May 23 – May 28, New York
• June 8 – June 11, Norfolk, Va.
• June 14 – June 17, Baltimore
• June 30 – July 3, Boston
• July 6 – July 10, New London
• July 20 – July 23, Halifax, Nova Scotia
• July 27 – July 30, Portland, Maine
• Aug. 3 – Aug. 6, Newport, R.I.